Feature: Batteries


and Behind the Metre (BTM). FTM BESS are located on the utility side of the electric meter, meaning they are directly connected to the power grid. In contrast, BTM BESS are located on the customer side of the electric metre, meaning they are installed at the point of use, such as in homes, commercial buildings or industrial facilities.


BESS – A brief history When did the implementation of BESS technology begin? Te history of BESS aligns with the invention and evolution of battery technology, along with the budding demand for sustainable energy storage solutions. Tis dates back to the 1800s when Alessandro Volta invented the early electric battery, known as the voltaic pile. Tis innovation paved the way for future advancements as, in 1859, French Physicist Gaston Planté developed the lead-acid battery, the first rechargeable electric battery, which remains in use today across various applications, including energy storage. Te late 20th century saw the advent of lithium-ion technology.


Research into lithium-ion batteries in the 1980s focused on their potential for higher energy densities and efficiency, especially for portable electronics. In 1991, Sony and Asahi Kasei Corp. sold the first commercialised lithium-ion battery, a significant milestone in the progression of energy storage technology. Te early 2000s experienced a substantial rise in renewable


energy usage like solar and wind, highlighting the need for efficient energy storage solutions. In the 2010s, significant advancements in battery technology and manufacturing processes led to the deployment of large-scale BESS. Notable projects include Tesla's rechargeable lithium-ion Powerwall products and the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia. At the time, in 2015, the Hornsdale Power Reserve became one of the largest lithium-ion battery storage systems in the world. Today, one of the largest BESS in the world is the Edwards &


Sanborn Project. Based in California, it went live in early 2024 and features 875MWdc of solar PV and 3,287MWh of battery energy storage system capacity.


Why are they important? Battery Energy Storage Systems are becoming indispensable in the energy industry today, and for some very practical reasons. Tey are gaining popularity because they solve many challenges


related to renewable energy, sustainability and the modern power grid. Teir primary function, to enable the integration of renewable energy sources into electricity grids, contributes towards the broader goal of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future, we can, in turn, contribute towards the UK’s goal to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.


Enhancing grid stability and reliability Sustainable energy systems rely on stable and reliable energy grids. To help with this, BESS maintain grid stability by providing frequency regulation, which is achieved by quickly absorbing or releasing power to keep the grid frequency within its operational limits. Voltage support is another useful function, where BESS help to maintain the grid voltage at the required levels. Tese services are essential to prevent blackouts and ensure a stable supply of electricity. In residential, commercial, and industrial settings, BESS offer


backup power solutions that ensure continuity during power outages. Tis capability is especially important for critical infrastructures like hospitals, data centres, and emergency services, where even a brief power disruption can have severe consequences. By providing a reliable backup power source, BESS enhance the resilience of these systems against outages and disruptions. In regions prone to severe weather events and natural disasters, this backup power can be a lifesaver, making sure that essential services can keep running. Reliability is vital when more renewable energy sources are


integrated into the grid, as renewable sources are intermittent by nature and dependent on weather conditions. BESS effectively smooth out these fluctuations by storing excess renewable energy when available and dispatching it during periods of high demand or low renewable output, thereby enhancing the resilience of the electricity supply.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk April 2025 23


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